Belgium

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. It is in a coastal lowland area called the Low Countries. Belgium is surrounded by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. Many people live in a small area, making it one of the most crowded places in the world. The capital city, Brussels, is also the largest city. It is an important place in Europe.

Belgium has a rich history and many different cultures. The country has three main parts: the Flemish Region (Flanders) in the north, the Walloon Region (Wallonia) in the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region. People there speak Dutch or French. Belgium plays a big role in the world, and Brussels is often called the capital of the European Union. Important groups like the European Commission and European Parliament are there.

Belgium has been important in Europe for a long time. It was once part of bigger empires and kingdoms. Belgium became its own country in 1830 after the Belgian Revolution. It has been a leader in industry and works to bring together its many different people. Today, Belgium is a lively and influential nation in Europe.

History

Main article: History of Belgium

Gallia Belgica at the time of Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul in 54 BCE

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Belgian history.

Belgium's history goes back a long way. During Roman times, the Belgae people lived in the area. They were known for being brave and strong. Later, the area was ruled by the Franks and then became part of many different kingdoms and empires.

In the Middle Ages, Belgium was part of the County of Flanders, which became rich from trading cloth. Belgium later joined the Burgundian Netherlands and then the Spanish and Austrian Netherlands. In 1830, Belgium became its own country. It has been a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy since then. Belgium helped start the European Union.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Belgium

Relief map of Belgium

Belgium is a country in Northwestern Europe. It is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The country covers an area of 30,689 km² (11,849 sq mi).

Belgium has three main geographical regions. These are a coastal plain in the northwest, a central plateau, and the Ardennes uplands in the southeast.

Belgium has a maritime temperate climate. It rains in all seasons. The warmest month is July, with average temperatures around 18 °C (64.4 °F). The coldest month is January, around 3 °C (37.4 °F). The country has many forests and waterways. The Signal de Botrange is the highest point, at 694 m (2,277 ft).

Province	Dutch name	French name	German name	Capital	Area	Population (1 January 2024)	Density	ISO 3166-2:BE
Flemish Region
Antwerp	*Antwerpen*	Anvers	Antwerpen	Antwerp	2,876 km² (1,110 sq mi)	1,926,522	670/km² (1,700/sq mi)	VAN
East Flanders	*Oost-Vlaanderen*	Flandre orientale	Ostflandern	Ghent	3,007 km² (1,161 sq mi)	1,572,002	520/km² (1,300/sq mi)	VOV
Flemish Brabant	*Vlaams-Brabant*	Brabant flamand	Flämisch-Brabant	Leuven	2,118 km² (818 sq mi)	1,196,773	570/km² (1,500/sq mi)	VBR
Limburg	*Limburg*	Limbourg	Limburg	Hasselt	2,427 km² (937 sq mi)	900,098	370/km² (960/sq mi)	VLI
West Flanders	*West-Vlaanderen*	Flandre occidentale	Westflandern	Bruges	3,197 km² (1,234 sq mi)	1,226,375	380/km² (980/sq mi)	VWV
Walloon Region
Hainaut	Henegouwen	*Hainaut*	Hennegau	Mons	3,813 km² (1,472 sq mi)	1,360,074	360/km² (930/sq mi)	WHT
Liège	Luik	*Liège*	*Lüttich*	Liège	3,857 km² (1,489 sq mi)	1,119,038	290/km² (750/sq mi)	WLG
Luxembourg	Luxemburg	*Luxembourg*	Luxemburg	Arlon	4,459 km² (1,722 sq mi)	295,146	66/km² (170/sq mi)	WLX
Namur	Namen	*Namur*	Namur (Namür)	Namur	3,675 km² (1,419 sq mi)	503,895	140/km² (360/sq mi)	WNA
Walloon Brabant	Waals-Brabant	*Brabant wallon*	Wallonisch-Brabant	Wavre	1,097 km² (424 sq mi)	414,130	380/km² (980/sq mi)	WBR
Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels-Capital Region	Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest	Région de Bruxelles-Capitale	Region Brüssel-Hauptstadt	Brussels City	162 km² (63 sq mi)	1,249,597	7,700/km² (20,000/sq mi)	BBR
Total	België	Belgique	Belgien	Brussels City	30,689 km² (11,849 sq mi)	11,763,650	383/km² (990/sq mi)

Politics and government

Main articles: Politics of Belgium and Belgian federal government

Belgium is a constitutional, popular monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy. The government is led by a King and a bicameral federal parliament that includes a Senate and a Chamber of Representatives. The King chooses ministers, including a Prime Minister, to run the government.

Belgium’s political system can be complicated because of its different language groups. Major political groups include Christian Democrats, Liberals, and Social Democrats. The government changes often, showing the country's many political views.

Communities and regions

Main article: Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium

The Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels, one of six different governments of the country

Belgium has three main regions and three language communities. The Flemish Region speaks Dutch, the Walloon Region speaks French, and the Brussels-Capital Region uses both languages. Each region and community has its own government to handle local matters, helping the country’s different cultures live together peacefully.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Belgium

The hemicycle of the Belgian Senate

Belgium supports peace and works closely with its neighbors. It is home to important international groups like NATO and parts of the European Union.

Armed forces

Main article: Belgian Armed Forces

Belgium’s military had about 23,200 active personnel in 2023. The country takes part in international peacekeeping missions and is a member of NATO. Belgium values collective security and has joined many UN missions around the world.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Belgium

Steelmaking along the Meuse at Ougrée, near Liège

Belgium has a strong economy and is closely linked to Europe. It is a top trading nation because of its central location in a busy, industrial part of Europe. The country is known for its hard work and exports many things, like machinery, chemicals, and food.

Belgium's economy has changed over time. In the past, places like Liège and Charleroi were known for mining and steel. Today, the economy focuses more on services, and the northern part, Flanders, is doing very well. Belgium uses the euro as its money and has many roads and railways, though traffic can get busy. The country also has important ports, like Antwerp, one of the busiest in Europe.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Belgium and Belgians

Belgium has more than 11 million people, which makes it a busy country. Most people live in three main places: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and Brussels, the capital city, in the middle. Each place has big cities. In Flanders, you can find Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. In Wallonia, there are Charleroi, Liège, and Namur. Brussels has cities like the City of Brussels, Schaerbeek, and Anderlecht.

Belgium has many languages and cultures. About 60% of Belgians speak Dutch, mostly in Flanders. Around 40% speak French, mostly in Wallonia and Brussels. There is also a small group of people who speak German in the east. Belgium also has people from many other countries, which adds to its colorful mix.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Belgium

Belgium has a rich cultural history. It has made important contributions to art, music, and literature. The country has produced many famous artists, writers, and musicians. Famous painters like Jan van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rene Magritte have shaped art history. Musicians such as Jacques Brel and Stromae are known around the world.

Belgium is also known for its lively festivals and traditions, like the Carnival of Binche and Saint Nicholas Day. The country enjoys famous foods such as chocolate, waffles, and beer. Many unique recipes and styles attract people from around the world.